Ortiz P. Samuel Jr., a 23-year-old African American man, was killed on October 18, 2022, in Ocala, Florida. He was a front-seat passenger in a vehicle in the Super 8 motel parking lot on W. Silver Springs Boulevard when a fight broke out inside the car. During the altercation Ortiz was shot multiple times; a female driver also suffered a gunshot wound to her hand but drove to a local hospital. Ortiz was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The Ocala Police Department opened an investigation; authorities say the shooter exited the vehicle sometime between the motel parking lot and the hospital and remains at large. No identifying details about the suspect have been released. The death has deeply affected Ortiz’s family and the community, and funeral arrangements were made to honor him.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact investigators.